Officer-Involved-Shooting in Rampart Division NRF019-21rj

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

The officers involved in the below incident have been identified as Rampart Patrol Division Police Officer II Giovanny Ramirez Barona, Serial No. 42485, and Police Officer II David Voci, Serial No. 43117.

Westlake: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in Rampart Division.

On March 29, 2021 around 3:49 a.m., LAPD Rampart Patrol Division officers saw a suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Matthew Blaylock, walking in an alleyway. As the officers approached Blaylock, one of the officers became aware that he was armed with a handgun. The officers gave the suspect commands, but the suspect refused to comply and fled on foot. The officers gave chase and caught up with the suspect near the intersection of 8th Street and Bixel Street, near the 110 Freeway on-ramp. Despite commands to stop, the suspect armed himself with a pistol, resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting.

Blaylock was struck by gunfire. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported Blaylock to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. A pistol was recovered at scene and booked as evidence. No other officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded to the scene and monitored the investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer was reasonable.